"He opened His mouth, and taught them,
saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:2, 3 .
As something strange and new, these words
fall upon the ears of the wondering multitude.
Such teaching is contrary to all they have ever
heard from priest or rabbi. They see in it nothing to
flatter their pride or to feed their ambitious hopes.
But there is about this new Teacher a power that holds
them spellbound. The sweetness of divine love flows
from His very presence as the fragrance from a flower.
His words fall like "rain upon the mown grass: as
showers that water the earth." Psalm 72:6. All feel
instinctively that here is One who reads the secrets of
the soul, yet who comes near to them with tender
compassion. Their hearts open to Him, and, as they
listen, the Holy Spirit unfolds to them something of
the meaning of that lesson which humanity in all ages
so needs to learn.
In the days of Christ the religious leaders of the
people felt that they were rich in spiritual treasure.
The prayer of the Pharisee, "God, I thank Thee, that
I am not as the rest of men" (Luke 18:11, R.V.),
expressed the feeling of his class and, to a great degree,
of the whole nation. But in the throng that
surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of
their spiritual poverty. When in the miraculous
draft of fishes the divine power of Christ was
revealed, Peter fell at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming,
"Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord"
(Luke 5:8); so in the multitude gathered upon the
mount there were souls who, in the presence of His
purity, felt that they were "wretched, and miserable,
and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17);
and they longed for "the grace of God that bringeth
salvation" (Titus 2:11). In these souls, Christ's words
of greeting awakened hope; they saw that their lives
were under the benediction of God.
Jesus had presented the cup of blessing to those
who felt that they were "rich, and increased with
goods" (Revelation 3:17), and had need of nothing,
and they had turned with scorn from the gracious gift.
He who feels whole, who thinks that he is reasonably
good, and is contented with his condition, does not
seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness
of Christ. Pride feels no need, and so it closes the
heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came
to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such
a person. Those who are rich and honorable in their
own eyes do not ask in faith, and receive the blessing
of God. They feel that they are full, therefore they go
away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly
save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous
action, are the ones who appreciate the help
that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit,
whom He declares to be blessed.
Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and
it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin.
Those whose hearts have been moved by the
convicting Spirit of God see that there is nothing good in
themselves. They see that all they have ever done is
mingled with self and sin. Like the poor publican,
they stand afar off, not daring to lift up so much as
their eyes to heaven, and cry, "God, be merciful
to me the sinner." Luke 18:13, R.V., margin. And
they are blessed. There is forgiveness for the penitent;
for Christ is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world." John 1:29. God's promise is:
"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white
as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall
be as wool." " A new heart also will I give you. . . .
And I will put My Spirit within you." Isaiah 1:18;
Ezekiel 36:26, 27.
Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, "Theirs is the
kingdom of heaven." This kingdom is not, as Christ's
hearers had hoped, a temporal and earthly dominion.
Christ was opening to men the spiritual kingdom of
His love, His grace, His righteousness. The ensign of
the Messiah's reign is distinguished by the likeness
of the Son of man. His subjects are the poor in spirit,
the meek, the persecuted for righteousness' sake. The
kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully
accomplished, the work is begun in them which will
make them "meet to be partakers of the inheritance of
the saints in light." Colossians 1:12.
All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty,
who feel that they have nothing good in themselves,
may find righteousness and strength by looking unto
Jesus. He says, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and
are heavy-laden." Matthew 11:28. He bids you exchange
your poverty for the riches of His grace. We
are not worthy of God's love, but Christ , our surety, is
worthy, and is abundantly able to save all who shall
come unto Him. Whatever may have been your past
experience, however discouraging your present circumstances,
if you will come to Jesus just as you are,
weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate
Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw
about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness.
He presents us to the Father clothed in the
white raiment of His own character. He pleads before
God in our behalf, saying: I have taken the sinner's
place. Look not upon this wayward child, but look
on Me. Does Satan plead loudly against our souls,
accusing of sin, and claiming us as his prey, the blood
of Christ pleads with greater power.
"Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness
and strength. . . . In the Lord shall all the seed
of Israel be justified, and shall glory." Isaiah 45:24, 25.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they
shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 .
The mourning here brought to view is true heart
sorrow for sin. Jesus says, "I, if I be lifted up from the
earth, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32. And
as one is drawn to behold Jesus uplifted on the cross,
he discerns the sinfulness of humanity. He sees that
it is sin which scourged and crucified the Lord of
glory. He sees that, while he has been loved with
unspeakable tenderness, his life has been a continual
scene of ingratitude and rebellion. He has forsaken
his best Friend and abused heaven's most precious
gift. He has crucified to himself the Son of God afresh
and pierced anew that bleeding and stricken heart.
He is separated from God by a gulf of sin that is
broad and black and deep, and he mourns in brokenness
of heart.
Such mourning" shall be comforted." God reveals
to us our guilt that we may flee to Christ, and through
Him be set free from the bondage of sin, and rejoice in
the liberty of the sons of God. In true contrition we
may come to the foot of the cross, and there leave our
burdens.
The Saviour's words have a message of comfort to
those also who are suffering affliction or bereavement.
Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. God
"doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of
men." Lamentations 3:33. When He permits trials
and afflictions, it is "for our profit, that we might be
partakers of His holiness." Hebrews 12:10. If received
in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard
to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that
blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning
our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would
never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to
seek comfort in Him!
The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the
impurities and roughness from our character. Their
hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and
polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed
down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought
forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple.
Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such
careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are
polished after the similitude of a palace.
The Lord will work for all who put their trust in
Him. Precious victories will be gained by the faithful.
Precious lessons will be learned. Precious experiences
will be realized.
Our heavenly Father is never unmindful of those
whom sorrow has touched. When David went up the
Mount Olivet, "and wept as he went up, and had his
head covered, and he went barefoot" (2 Samuel 15:30),
the Lord was looking pityingly upon him. David
was clothed in sackcloth, and his conscience was
scourging him. The outward signs of humiliation
testified of his contrition. In tearful, heartbroken
utterances he presented his case to God, and the Lord did
not forsake His servant. Never was David dearer to
the heart of Infinite Love than when, conscience-smitten,
he fled for his life from his enemies, who had
been stirred to rebellion by his own son. The Lord
says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be
zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19.
Christ lifts up the contrite heart and refines the
mourning soul until it becomes His abode.
But when tribulation comes upon us, how many of
us are like Jacob! We think it the hand of an enemy;
and in the darkness we wrestle blindly until our
strength is spent, and we find no comfort or deliverance.
To Jacob the divine touch at break of day revealed
the One with whom he had been contending--
the Angel of the covenant; and,weeping and helpless,
he fell upon the breast of Infinite Love, to receive the
blessing for which his soul longed. We also need to
learn that trials mean benefit, and not to despise the
chastening of the Lord nor faint when we are rebuked
of Him.
"Happy is the man whom God correcteth: . . . He
maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His
hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six
troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee."
Job 5:17-19. To every stricken one, Jesus comes with
the ministry of healing. The life of bereavement, pain,
and suffering may be brightened by precious revealings
of His presence.
God would not have us remain pressed down by
dumb sorrow, with sore and breaking hearts. He
would have us look up and behold His dear face of
love. The blessed Saviour stands by many whose
eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern
Him. He longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to
Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His
heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials.
He has loved us with an everlasting love and with
loving-kindness compassed us about. We may keep the
heart stayed upon Him and meditate upon His
loving-kindness all the day. He will lift the soul above
the daily sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of peace.
Think of this, children of suffering and sorrow, and
rejoice in hope. "This is the victory that overcometh
the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.
Blessed are they also who weep with Jesus in
sympathy with the world's sorrow and in sorrow for
its sin. In such mourning there is intermingled no
thought of self. Jesus was the Man of Sorrows,
enduring heart anguish such as no language can portray.
His spirit was torn and bruised by the transgressions of
men. He toiled with self-consuming zeal to relieve the
wants and woes of humanity, and His heart was heavy
with sorrow as He saw multitudes refuse to come to
Him that they might have life. All who are followers
of Christ will share in this experience. As they partake
of His love they will enter into His travail for the
saving of the lost. They share in the sufferings of
Christ, and they will share also in the glory that shall
be revealed. One with Him in His work, drinking
with Him the cup of sorrow, they are partakers also of
His joy.
It was through suffering that Jesus obtained the
ministry of consolation. In all the affliction of humanity
He is afflicted; and "in that He Himself hath
suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that
are tempted." Isaiah 63:9; Hebrews 2:18. In this
ministry every soul that has entered into the fellowship of
His sufferings is privileged to share. "As the sufferings
of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth
by Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:5. The Lord has special
grace for the mourner, and its power is to melt
hearts, to win souls. His love opens a channel into the
wounded and bruised soul, and becomes a healing
balsam to those who sorrow. "The Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort . . . comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we
ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
"Blessed are the meek." Matthew 5:5 .
Throughout the Beatitudes there is an advancing
line of Christian experience. Those who have felt their
need of Christ, those who have mourned because of
sin and have sat with Christ in the school of affliction,
will learn meekness from the divine Teacher.
Patience and gentleness under wrong were not
characteristics prized by the heathen or by the Jews.
The statement made by Moses under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, that he was the meekest man upon
the earth, would not have been regarded by the people
of his time as a commendation; it would rather have
excited pity or contempt. But Jesus places meekness
among the first qualifications for His kingdom. In His
own life and character the divine beauty of this precious
grace is revealed.
Jesus, the brightness of the Father's glory, thought
"it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with
God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant."
Philippians 2:6, 7, R.V., margin. Through all
the lowly experiences of life He consented to pass,
walking among the children of men, not as a king, to
demand homage, but as one whose mission it was to
serve others. There was in His manner no taint of
bigotry, no cold austerity. The world's Redeemer had
a greater than angelic nature, yet united with His
divine majesty were meekness and humility that attracted
all to Himself.
Jesus emptied Himself, and in all that He did, self
did not appear. He subordinated all things to the will
of His Father. When His mission on earth was about
to close, He could say, "I have glorified Thee on the
earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me
to do." John 17:4. And He bids us, "Learn of Me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart." "If any man will
come after Me, let him deny himself" (Matthew 11:29;
16:24); let self be dethroned and no longer hold the
supremacy of the soul.
He who beholds Christ in His self-denial, His
lowliness of heart, will be constrained to say, as did
Daniel, when he beheld One like the sons of men, "My
comeliness was turned in me into corruption." Daniel
10:8. The independence and self-supremacy in which
we glory are seen in their true vileness as tokens of
servitude to Satan. Human nature is ever struggling
for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of
Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy,
and there is silence in the soul. Self is yielded to the
disposal of the Holy Spirit. Then we are not anxious
to have the highest place. We have no ambition to
crowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel
that our highest place is at the feet of our Saviour. We
look to Jesus, waiting for His hand to lead, listening
for His voice to guide. The apostle Paul had this
experience, and he said, "I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the
faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave
Himself for me." Galatians 2:20.
When we receive Christ as an abiding guest in the
soul, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
will keep our hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus. The Saviour's life on earth, though lived in the
midst of conflict, was a life of peace. While angry
enemies were constantly pursuing Him, He said, "He
that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me
alone; for I do always those things that please Him."
John 8:29. No storm of human or satanic wrath could
disturb the calm of that perfect communion with God.
And He says to us, "Peace I leave with you, My peace
I give unto you." "Take My yoke upon you, and learn
of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest." John 14:27; Matthew 11:29. Bear with Me
the yoke of service for the glory of God and the
uplifting of humanity, and you will find the yoke easy
and the burden light.
It is the love of self that destroys our peace. While
self is all alive, we stand ready continually to guard it
from mortification and insult; but when we are dead,
and our life is hid with Christ in God, we shall not
take neglects or slights to heart. We shall be deaf to
reproach and blind to scorn and insult. "Love suffereth
long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not
itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself
unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh
not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness,
but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things,
believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all
things. Love never faileth." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, R.V.
Happiness drawn from earthly sources is as changeable
as varying circumstances can make it; but the
peace of Christ is a constant and abiding peace. It
does not depend upon any circumstances in life, on
the amount of worldly goods or the number of earthly
friends. Christ is the fountain of living water, and
happiness drawn from Him can never fail.
The meekness of Christ, manifested in the home,
will make the inmates happy; it provokes no quarrel,
gives back no angry answer, but soothes the irritated
temper and diffuses a gentleness that is felt by all
within its charmed circle. Wherever cherished, it
makes the families of earth a part of the one great
family above.
Far better would it be for us to suffer under false
accusation than to inflict upon ourselves the torture of
retaliation upon our enemies. The spirit of hatred and
revenge originated with Satan, and can bring only
evil to him who cherishes it. Lowliness of heart, that
meekness which is the fruit of abiding in Christ, is the
true secret of blessing. "He will beautify the meek
with salvation." Psalm 149:4.
The meek "shall inherit the earth." It was through
the desire for self-exaltation that sin entered into the
world, and our first parents lost the dominion over this
fair earth, their kingdom. It is through self-abnegation
that Christ redeems what was lost. And He says we
are to overcome as He did. Revelation 3:21. Through
humility and self-surrender we may become heirs with
Him when "the meek shall inherit the earth." Psalm
37:11.
The earth promised to the meek will not be like
this, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse.
"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens
and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
"There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God
and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall
serve Him." 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 22:3.
There is no disappointment, no sorrow, no sin, no
one who shall say, I am sick; there are no burial trains,
no mourning, no death, no partings, no broken hearts;
but Jesus is there, peace is there. There "they shall not
hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite
them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them,
even by the springs of water shall He guide them."
Isaiah 49:10.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and
thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 .
Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and
"God is love." 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law
of God, for "all Thy commandments are righteousness"
(Psalm 119:172), and "love is the fulfilling of the law"
(Romans 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is
the light and the life of God. The righteousness of
God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness
by receiving Him.
Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not
by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it
is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts
to receive it. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye
to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye,
buy, and eat, . . . without money and without price."
"Their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord," and,
"This is His name whereby He shall be called, The
Lord Our Righteousness." Isaiah 55:1; 54:
17; Jeremiah 23:6.
No human agent can supply that which will satisfy
the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says,
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man
hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in
to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me."
"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall
never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall
never thirst." Revelation 3:20; John 6:35.
As we need food to sustain our physical strength,
so do we need Christ, the Bread from heaven, to
sustain spiritual life and impart strength to work the
works of God. As the body is continually receiving
the nourishment that sustains life and vigor, so the
soul must be constantly communing with Christ, submitting
to Him and depending wholly upon Him.
As the weary traveler seeks the spring in the desert
and, finding it, quenches his burning thirst, so will
the Christian thirst for and obtain the pure water
of life, of which Christ is the fountain.
As we discern the perfection of our Saviour's character
we shall desire to become wholly transformed
and renewed in the image of His purity. The more
we know of God, the higher will be our ideal of character
and the more earnest our longing to reflect His
likeness. A divine element combines with the human
when the soul reaches out after God and the
longing heart can say, "My soul, wait thou only upon
God; for my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:5.
If you have a sense of need in your soul, if you
hunger and thirst after righteousness, this is an
evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, in
order that He may be sought unto to do for you,
through the endowment of the Holy Spirit, those
things which it is impossible for you to do for
yourself. We need not seek to quench our thirst at
shallow streams; for the great fountain is just above
us, of whose abundant waters we may freely drink,
if we will rise a little higher in the pathway of faith.
The words of God are the wellsprings of life. As
you seek unto those living springs you will, through
the Holy Spirit, be brought into communion with
Christ. Familiar truths will present themselves to
your mind in a new aspect, texts of Scripture will
burst upon you with a new meaning as a flash of light,
you will see the relation of other truths to the work
of redemption, and you will know that Christ is leading
you, a divine Teacher is at your side.
Jesus said, "The water that I shall give him shall
be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting
life." John 4:14. As the Holy Spirit opens to you
the truth you will treasure up the most precious
experiences and will long to speak to others of the
comforting things that have been revealed to you.
When brought into association with them you will
communicate some fresh thought in regard to the
character or the work of Christ. You will have some
fresh revelation of His pitying love to impart to those
who love Him and to those who love Him not.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:
38); for the word of God is "a fountain of gardens,
a well of living waters, and streams of Lebanon"
(Song of Solomon 4:15). The heart that has once
tasted the love of Christ, cries out continually for
a deeper draft, and as you impart you will receive
in richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation
of God to the soul increases the capacity to
know and to love. The continual cry of the heart is,
"More of Thee," and ever the Spirit's answer is,
"Much more." Romans 5:9,10. For our God delights
to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think." Ephesians 3:20. To Jesus, who emptied
Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy
Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given
to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is
surrendered for His indwelling. Our Lord Himself
has given the command, "Be filled with the Spirit"
(Ephesians 5:18), and this command is also a promise
of its fulfillment. It was the good pleasure of
the Father that in Christ should "all the fullness
dwell," and "in Him ye are made full." Colossians
1:19, R.V.; 2:10, R.V.
God has poured out His love unstintedly, as the
showers that refresh the earth. He says, "Let the
skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open,
and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness
spring up together." "When the poor and needy
seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth
for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God
of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers
in high places, and fountains in the midst of the
valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
and the dry land springs of water." Isaiah 45:8;
41:17, 18.
"Of His fullness have all we received, and grace
for grace." John 1:16.
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall
obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7 .
The heart of man is by nature cold and dark and
unloving; whenever one manifests a spirit of mercy
and forgiveness, he does it not of himself, but through
the influence of the divine Spirit moving upon his
heart. "We love, because He first loved us." 1 John
4:19, R.V.
God is Himself the source of all mercy. His name
is "merciful and gracious." Exodus 34:6. He does not
treat us according to our desert. He does not ask if
we are worthy of His love, but He pours upon us
the riches of His love, to make us worthy. He is
not vindictive. He seeks not to punish, but to redeem.
Even the severity which He manifests through His
providences is manifested for the salvation of the
wayward. He yearns with intense desire to relieve
the woes of men and to apply His balsam to their
wounds. It is true that God "will by no means clear
the guilty" (Exodus 34:7), but He would take away
the guilt.
The merciful are "partakers of the divine nature,"
and in them the compassionate love of God finds
expression. All whose hearts are in sympathy with
the heart of Infinite Love will seek to reclaim and
not to condemn. Christ dwelling in the soul is a spring
that never runs dry. Where He abides, there will be
an overflowing of beneficence.
To the appeal of the erring, the tempted, the
wretched victims of want and sin, the Christian does
not ask, Are they worthy? but, How can I benefit
them? In the most wretched, the most debased, he
sees souls whom Christ died to save and for whom
God has given to His children the ministry of
reconciliation.
The merciful are those who manifest compassion
to the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed. Job
declares, "I delivered the poor that cried, and the
fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The
blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon
me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment
was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the
blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to
the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched
out." Job 29:12-16.
There are many to whom life is a painful struggle;
they feel their deficiencies and are miserable and
unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to
be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions
of appreciation, would be to many a struggling
and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty
soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would
lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders.
And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an
expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity.
The merciful "shall obtain mercy." "The soul of
blessing shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall
be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25, margin.
There is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a
blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service
for the good of others. The Holy Spirit that abides
in the soul and is manifest in the life will soften hard
hearts and awaken sympathy and tenderness. You
will reap that which you sow. "Blessed is he that
considereth the poor. . . . The Lord will preserve him,
and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the
earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will
of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon
the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed
in his sickness." Psalm 41:1-3.
He who has given his life to God in ministry to His
children is linked with Him who has all the resources
of the universe at His command. His life is bound up
by the golden chain of the immutable promises with
the life of God. The Lord will not fail him in the
hour of suffering and need. "My God shall supply all
your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." Philippians 4:19. And in the hour of final
need the merciful shall find refuge in the mercy of
the compassionate Saviour and shall be received into
everlasting habitations.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they
shall see God." Matthew 5:8 .
The Jews were so exacting in regard to ceremonial
purity that their regulations were extremely burdensome.
Their minds were occupied with rules and restrictions
and the fear of outward defilement, and they
did not perceive the stain that selfishness and malice
impart to the soul.
Jesus does not mention this ceremonial purity as
one of the conditions of entering into His kingdom,
but points out the need of purity of heart. The wisdom
that is from above "is first pure." James 3:17.
Into the city of God there will enter nothing that
defiles. All who are to be dwellers there will here
have become pure in heart. In one who is learning
of Jesus, there will be manifest a growing distaste
for careless manners, unseemly language, and coarse
thought. When Christ abides in the heart, there will
be purity and refinement of thought and manner.
But the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure in
heart," have a deeper meaning--not merely pure in
the sense in which the world understands purity, free
from that which is sensual, pure from lust, but true
in the hidden purposes and motives of the soul, free
from pride and self-seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike.
Only like can appreciate like. Unless you accept
in your own life the principle of self-sacrificing love,
which is the principle of His character, you cannot
know God. The heart that is deceived by Satan, looks
upon God as a tyrannical, relentless being; the selfish
characteristics of humanity, even of Satan himself, are
attributed to the loving Creator. "Thou thoughtest," He
says, "that I was altogether such an one as thyself."
Psalm 50:21. His providences are interpreted as the
expression of an arbitrary, vindictive nature. So with
the Bible, the treasure house of the riches of His grace.
The glory of its truths, that are as high as heaven and
compass eternity, is undiscerned. To the great mass
of mankind, Christ Himself is "as a root out of a dry
ground," and they see in Him "no beauty that" they
"should desire Him." Isaiah 53:2. When Jesus was
among men, the revelation of God in humanity, the
scribes and Pharisees declared to Him, "Thou art a
Samaritan, and hast a devil." John 8:48. Even His
disciples were so blinded by the selfishness of their
hearts that they were slow to understand Him who
had come to manifest to them the Father's love. This
was why Jesus walked in solitude in the midst of men.
He was understood fully in heaven alone.
When Christ shall come in His glory, the wicked
cannot endure to behold Him. The light of His presence,
which is life to those who love Him, is death
to the ungodly. The expectation of His coming is to
them a "fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
indignation." Hebrews 10:27. When He shall appear,
they will pray to be hidden from the face of Him who
died to redeem them.
But to hearts that have become purified through
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all is changed.
These can know God. Moses was hid in the cleft of
the rock when the glory of the Lord was revealed to
him; and it is when we are hid in Christ that we
behold the love of God.
"He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace
of his lips the King shall be his friend." Proverbs
22:11. By faith we behold Him here and now. In
our daily experience we discern His goodness and
compassion in the manifestation of His providence.
We recognize Him in the character of His Son. The
Holy Spirit takes the truth concerning God and Him
whom He hath sent, and opens it to the understanding
and to the heart. The pure in heart see God in
a new and endearing relation, as their Redeemer; and
while they discern the purity and loveliness of His
character, they long to reflect His image. They see
Him as a Father longing to embrace a repenting son,
and their hearts are filled with joy unspeakable and
full of glory.
The pure in heart discern the Creator in the works
of His mighty hand, in the things of beauty that comprise
the universe. In His written word they read in
clearer lines the revelation of His mercy, His goodness,
and His grace. The truths that are hidden from
the wise and prudent are revealed to babes. The
beauty and preciousness of truth, which are undiscerned
by the worldly-wise, are constantly unfolding
to those who have a trusting, childlike desire to
know and to do the will of God. We discern the truth
by becoming, ourselves, partakers of the divine nature.
The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of
God during the time He apportions them in this world.
And they will also see Him face to face in the future,
immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and
talked with God in Eden. "Now we see through a
glass, darkly; but then face to face." 1 Corinthians
13:12.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they
shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9 .
Christ is "the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and it
is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace
that sin has broken. "Being justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1. Whoever consents to renounce sin and open
his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker
of this heavenly peace.
There is no other ground of peace than this. The
grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues
enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He
who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot
be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart;
evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot
exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is
a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its
blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace
will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled
with worldly strife.
Christ's followers are sent to the world with the
message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious
influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of
Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another
to renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a peacemaker.
And "blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall
be called the children of God." The spirit of peace
is evidence of their connection with heaven. The
sweet savor of Christ surrounds them. The fragrance
of the life, the loveliness of the character, reveal to
the world the fact that they are children of God. Men
take knowledge of them that they have been with
Jesus. "Everyone that loveth is born of God." "If any
man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His;"
but "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
the sons of God." 1 John 4:7; Romans 8:9, 14.
"And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst
of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers
upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth
for the sons of men." Micah 5:7.
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 .
Jesus does not present to His followers the hope
of attaining earthly glory and riches, and of having
a life free from trial, but He presents to them the
privilege of walking with their Master in the paths
of self-denial and reproach, because the world knows
them not.
He who came to redeem the lost world was opposed
by the united forces of the adversaries of God
and man. In an unpitying confederacy, evil men and
evil angels arrayed themselves against the Prince of
Peace. Though His every word and act breathed of
divine compassion, His unlikeness to the world provoked
the bitterest hostility. Because He would give
no license for the exercise of the evil passions of our
nature, He aroused the fiercest opposition and enmity.
So it is with all who will live godly in Christ
Jesus. Between righteousness and sin, love and hatred,
truth and falsehood, there is an irrepressible conflict.
When one presents the love of Christ and the
beauty of holiness, he is drawing away the subjects
of Satan's kingdom, and the prince of evil is aroused
to resist it. Persecution and reproach await all who
are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. The character
of the persecution changes with the times, but the
principle--the spirit that underlies it--is the same that
has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days
of Abel.
As men seek to come into harmony with God, they
will find that the offense of the cross has not ceased.
Principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high
places are arrayed against all who yield obedience to
the law of heaven. Therefore, so far from causing
grief, persecution should bring joy to the disciples of
Christ, for it is an evidence that they are following
in the steps of their Master.
While the Lord has not promised His people
exemption from trials, He has promised that which is
far better. He has said, "As thy days, so shall thy
strength be." "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My
strength is made perfect in weakness." Deuteronomy
33:25; 2 Corinthians 12:9. If you are called to go
through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be
by your side even as He was with the faithful three
in Babylon. Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice
at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation
and reproach. The love they bear their Lord
makes suffering for His sake sweet.
In all ages Satan has persecuted the people of God.
He has tortured them and put them to death, but in
dying they became conquerors. They revealed in their
steadfast faith a mightier One than Satan. Satan could
torture and kill the body, but he could not touch the
life that was hid with Christ in God. He could
incarcerate in prison walls, but he could not bind the spirit.
They could look beyond the gloom to the glory, saying,
"I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which
shall be revealed in us." "Our light affliction, which
is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory." Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians
4:17.
Through trials and persecution, the glory--character--of
God is revealed in His chosen ones. The
church of God, hated and persecuted by the world,
are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ.
They walk in narrow paths on earth; they are purified
in the furnace of affliction. They follow Christ
through sore conflicts; they endure self-denial and
experience bitter disappointments; but their painful
experience teaches them the guilt and woe of sin,
and they look upon it with abhorrence. Being partakers
of Christ's sufferings, they are destined to be
partakers of His glory. In holy vision the prophet saw
the triumph of the people of God. He says, "I saw as
it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that
had gotten the victory, . . . stand on the sea of glass,
having the harps of God. And they sing the song of
Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,
saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God
Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of
saints." "These are they which came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them
white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they
before the throne of God, and serve Him day and
night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne
shall dwell among them." Revelation 15:2, 3; 7:14, 15.
"Blessed are ye, when men shall
revile you." Matthew 5:11 .
Ever since his fall, Satan has worked by means of
deception. As he has misrepresented God, so, through
his agents, he misrepresents the children of God. The
Saviour says, "The reproaches of them that reproached
Thee are fallen upon Me." Psalm 69:9. In like manner
they fall upon His disciples.
There was never one who walked among men
more cruelly slandered than the Son of man. He was
derided and mocked because of His unswerving obedience
to the principles of God's holy law. They hated
Him without a cause. Yet He stood calmly before
His enemies, declaring that reproach is a part of the
Christian's legacy, counseling His followers how to
meet the arrows of malice, bidding them not to faint
under persecution.
While slander may blacken the reputation, it cannot
stain the character. That is in God's keeping. So
long as we do not consent to sin, there is no power,
whether human or satanic, that can bring a stain upon
the soul. A man whose heart is stayed upon God is
just the same in the hour of his most afflicting trials
and most discouraging surroundings as when he was
in prosperity, when the light and favor of God seemed
to be upon him. His words, his motives, his actions,
may be misrepresented and falsified, but he does not
mind it, because he has greater interests at stake.
Like Moses, he endures as "seeing Him who is invisible"
(Hebrews 11:27); looking "not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen"
(2 Corinthians 4:18).
Christ is acquainted with all that is misunderstood
and misrepresented by men. His children can afford
to wait in calm patience and trust, no matter how
much maligned and despised; for nothing is secret
that shall not be made manifest, and those who honor
God shall be honored by Him in the presence of men
and angels.
"When men shall revile you, and persecute you,"
said Jesus, "rejoice, and be exceeding glad." And He
pointed His hearers to the prophets who had spoken
in the name of the Lord, as "an example of suffering
affliction, and of patience." James 5:10. Abel, the
very first Christian of Adam's children, died a martyr.
Enoch walked with God, and the world knew
him not. Noah was mocked as a fanatic and an
alarmist. "Others had trial of cruel mockings and
scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment."
"Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection."
Hebrews 11:36, 35.
In every age God's chosen messengers have been
reviled and persecuted, yet through their affliction
the knowledge of God has been spread abroad. Every
disciple of Christ is to step into the ranks and carry
forward the same work, knowing that its foes can do
nothing against the truth, but for the truth. God
means that truth shall be brought to the front and
become the subject of examination and discussion,
even through the contempt placed upon it. The minds
of the people must be agitated; every controversy,
every reproach, every effort to restrict liberty of
conscience, is God's means of awakening minds that
otherwise might slumber.
How often this result has been seen in the history
of God's messengers! When the noble and eloquent
Stephen was stoned to death at the instigation of the
Sanhedrin council, there was no loss to the cause of
the gospel. The light of heaven that glorified his face,
the divine compassion breathed in his dying prayer,
were as a sharp arrow of conviction to the bigoted
Sanhedrist who stood by, and Saul, the persecuting
Pharisee, became a chosen vessel to bear the name
of Christ before Gentiles and kings and the children
of Israel. And long afterward Paul the aged wrote
from his prison house at Rome: "Some indeed preach
Christ even of envy and strife: . . . not sincerely,
supposing to add affliction to my bonds. . . .
Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth,
Christ is preached." Philippians 1:15-18. Through
Paul's imprisonment the gospel was spread abroad,
and souls were won for Christ in the very palace of
the Caesars. By the efforts of Satan to destroy it, the
"incorruptible" seed of the word of God, "which liveth
and abideth forever" (1 Peter 1:23), is sown in
the hearts of men; through the reproach and persecution
of His children the name of Christ is magnified
and souls are saved.
Great is the reward in heaven of those who are
witnesses for Christ through persecution and reproach.
While the people are looking for earthly good, Jesus
points them to a heavenly reward. But He does not
place it all in the future life; it begins here. The Lord
appeared of old time to Abraham and said, " I am
thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis
15:1. This is the reward of all who follow Christ.
Jehovah Immanuel--He "in whom are hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge," in whom dwells
"all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians
2:3, 9)--to be brought into sympathy with Him, to
know Him, to possess Him, as the heart opens more
and more to receive His attributes; to know His love
and power, to possess the unsearchable riches of
Christ, to comprehend more and more "what is the
breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to
know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,
that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God"
(Ephesians 3:18, 19)--"this is the heritage of the servants
of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me,
saith the Lord." Isaiah 54:17.
It was this joy that filled the hearts of Paul and
Silas when they prayed and sang praises to God at
midnight in the Philippian dungeon. Christ was beside
them there, and the light of His presence irradiated
the gloom with the glory of the courts above.
From Rome, Paul wrote, unmindful of his fetters as
he saw the spread of the gospel, "I therein do rejoice,
yea, and will rejoice." Philippians 1:18. And the very
words of Christ upon the mount are re-echoed in
Paul's message to the Philippian church, in the midst
of their persecutions, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and
again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4.
"Ye are the salt of the earth."
Matthew 5:13 .
Salt is valued for its preservative properties; and
when God calls His children salt, He would teach
them that His purpose in making them the subjects
of His grace is that they may become agents in
saving others. The object of God in choosing a people
before all the world was not only that He might adopt
them as His sons and daughters, but that through
them the world might receive the grace that bringeth
salvation. Titus 2:11. When the Lord chose Abraham,
it was not simply to be the special friend of God, but
to be a medium of the peculiar privileges the Lord
desired to bestow upon the nations. Jesus, in that
last prayer with His disciples before His crucifixion,
said, "For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also
might be sanctified through the truth." John 17:19.
In like manner Christians who are purified through
the truth will possess saving qualities that preserve
the world from utter moral corruption.
Salt must be mingled with the substance to which
it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to
preserve. So it is through personal contact and
association that men are reached by the saving power of
the gospel. They are not saved in masses, but as
individuals. Personal influence is a power. We must
come close to those whom we desire to benefit.
The savor of the salt represents the vital power of
the Christian--the love of Jesus in the heart, the
righteousness of Christ pervading the life. The love of
Christ is diffusive and aggressive. If it is dwelling in
us, it will flow out to others. We shall come close to
them till their hearts are warmed by our unselfish
interest and love. The sincere believers diffuse vital
energy, which is penetrating and imparts new moral
power to the souls for whom they labor. It is not the
power of the man himself, but the power of the Holy
Spirit that does the transforming work.
Jesus added the solemn warning: "If the salt have
lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is
thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and
to be trodden underfoot of men."
As they listened to the words of Christ, the people
could see the white salt glistening in the pathways
where it had been cast out because it had lost its
savor and was therefore useless. It well represented
the condition of the Pharisees and the effect of their
religion upon society. It represents the life of every
soul from whom the power of the grace of God has
departed and who has become cold and Christless.
Whatever may be his profession, such a one is looked
upon by men and angels as insipid and disagreeable.
It is to such that Christ say: "I would thou wert cold
or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and
neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My
mouth." Revelation 3:15, 16.
Without a living faith in Christ as a personal
Saviour it is impossible to make our influence felt in a
skeptical world. We cannot give to others that which
we do not ourselves possess. It is in proportion to our
own devotion and consecration to Christ that we exert
an influence for the blessing and uplifting of mankind.
If there is no actual service, no genuine love,
no reality of experience, there is no power to help,
no connection with heaven, no savor of Christ in the
life. Unless the Holy Spirit can use us as agents
through whom to communicate to the world the truth
as it is in Jesus, we are as salt that has lost its savor
and is entirely worthless. By our lack of the grace of
Christ we testify to the world that the truth which
we claim to believe has no sanctifying power; and
thus, so far as our influence goes, we make of no effect
the word of God. "If I speak with the tongues of men
and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding
brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the
gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all
knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove
mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if
I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give
my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth
me nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, A.R.V.
When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others,
not because of favors received from them, but because
love is the principle of action. Love modifies the
character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and
ennobles the affections. This love is as broad as the
universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel
workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire
life and sheds its blessing upon all around. It is
this, and this only, that can make us the salt of the
earth.
"Ye are the light of the world."
Matthew 5:14 .
As Jesus taught the people, He made His lessons
interesting and held the attention of His hearers by
frequent illustrations from the scenes of nature about
them. The people had come together while it was
yet morning. The glorious sun, climbing higher and
higher in the blue sky, was chasing away the shadows
that lurked in the valleys and among the narrow
defiles of the mountains. The glory of the eastern
heavens had not yet faded out. The sunlight flooded
the land with its splendor; the placid surface of the
lake reflected the golden light and mirrored the rosy
clouds of morning. Every bud and flower and leafy
spray glistened with dewdrops. Nature smiled under
the benediction of a new day, and the birds sang
sweetly among the trees. The Saviour looked upon
the company before Him, and then to the rising sun,
and said to His disciples, "Ye are the light of the
world." As the sun goes forth on its errand of love,
dispelling the shades of night and awakening the
world to life, so the followers of Christ are to go forth
on their mission, diffusing the light of heaven upon
those who are in the darkness of error and sin.
In the brilliant light of the morning, the towns and
villages upon the surrounding hills stood forth clearly,
making an attractive feature of the scene. Pointing
to them, Jesus said, "A city set on a hill cannot be
hid." And he added, "Neither do men light a lamp,
and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and
it shineth unto all that are in the house." R.V. Most
of those who listened to the words of Jesus were
peasants and fishermen whose lowly dwellings
contained but one room, in which the single lamp on
its stand shone to all in the house. Even so, said
Jesus, "Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven."
No other light ever has shone or ever will shine
upon fallen man save that which emanates from
Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can
illuminate the darkness of a world lying in sin. Of
Christ it is written, "In Him was life; and the life was
the light of men." John 1:4. It was by receiving of
His life that His disciples could become light bearers.
The life of Christ in the soul, His love revealed in
the character, would make them the light of the world.
Humanity has in itself no light. Apart from Christ
we are like an unkindled taper, like the moon when
her face is turned away from the sun; we have not
a single ray of brightness to shed into the darkness
of the world. But when we turn toward the Sun of
Righteousness, when we come in touch with Christ,
the whole soul is aglow with the brightness of the
divine presence.
Christ's followers are to be more than a light in
the midst of men. They are the light of the world.
Jesus says to all who have named His name, You
have given yourselves to Me, and I have given you
to the world as My representatives. As the Father had
sent Him into the world, so, He declares, "have I also
sent them into the world." John 17:18. As Christ is
the channel for the revelation of the Father, so we are
to be the channel for the revelation of Christ. While
our Saviour is the great source of illumination, forget
not, O Christian, that He is revealed through humanity.
God's blessings are bestowed through human
instrumentality. Christ Himself came to the world
as the Son of man. Humanity, united to the divine
nature, must touch humanity. The church of Christ,
every individual disciple of the Master, is heaven's
appointed channel for the revelation of God to men.
Angels of glory wait to communicate through you
heaven's light and power to souls that are ready to
perish. Shall the human agent fail of accomplishing
his appointed work? Oh, then to that degree is the
world robbed of the promised influence of the Holy
Spirit!
But Jesus did not bid the disciples, "Strive to make
your light shine;" He said, " Let it shine." If Christ
is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal
the light of His presence. If those who profess to be
followers of Christ are not the light of the world,
it is because the vital power has left them; if they
have no light to give, it is because they have no
connection with the Source of light.
In all ages the "Spirit of Christ which was in them"
(1 Peter 1:11) has made God's true children the light
of the people of their generation. Joseph was a light
bearer in Egypt. In his purity and benevolence and
filial love he represented Christ in the midst of a
nation of idolaters. While the Israelites were on their
way from Egypt to the Promised Land, the true-hearted
among them were a light to the surrounding
nations. Through them God was revealed to the
world. From Daniel and his companions in Babylon,
and from Mordecai in Persia, bright beams of light
shone out amid the darkness of the kingly courts. In
like manner the disciples of Christ are set as light
bearers on the way to heaven; through them the
Father's mercy and goodness are made manifest to
a world enshrouded in the darkness of misapprehension
of God. By seeing their good works, others are
led to glorify the Father who is above; for it is made
manifest that there is a God on the throne of the
universe whose character is worthy of praise and
imitation. The divine love glowing in the heart, the
Christlike harmony manifested in the life, are as a
glimpse of heaven granted to men of the world, that
they may appreciate its excellence.
It is thus that men are led to believe "the love
that God hath to us." 1 John 4:16. Thus hearts once
sinful and corrupt are purified and transformed, to be
presented "faultless before the presence of His glory
with exceeding joy." Jude 24.
The Saviour's words, "Ye are the light of the world,"
point to the fact that He has committed to His
followers a world-wide mission. In the days of Christ,
selfishness and pride and prejudice had built strong
and high the wall of partition between the appointed
guardians of the sacred oracles and every other nation
on the globe. But the Saviour had come to change
all this. The words which the people were hearing
from His lips were unlike anything to which they
had ever listened from priest or rabbi. Christ tears
away the wall of partition, the self-love, the dividing
prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love for all
the human family. He lifts men from the narrow circle
that their selfishness prescribes; He abolishes all
territorial lines and artificial distinctions of society. He
makes no difference between neighbors and strangers,
friends and enemies. He teaches us to look upon every
needy souls as our neighbor and the world as our field.
As the rays of the sun penetrate to the remotest
corners of the globe, so God designs that the light
of the gospel shall extend to every soul upon the earth.
If the church of Christ were fulfilling the purpose of
our Lord, light would be shed upon all that sit in darkness
and in the region and shadow of death. Instead
of congregating together and shunning responsibility
and cross bearing, the members of the church would
scatter into all lands, letting the light of Christ shine
out from them, working as He did for the salvation
of souls, and this "gospel of the kingdom" would
speedily be carried to all the world.
It is thus that God's purpose in calling His people,
from Abraham on the plains of Mesopotamia to us
in this age, is to reach its fulfillment. He says, "I will
bless thee, . . . and thou shalt be a blessing." Genesis
12:2. The words of Christ through the gospel prophet,
which are but re-echoed in the Sermon on the Mount,
are for us in this last generation: "Arise, shine; for thy
light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon
thee." Isaiah 60:1. If upon your spirit the glory of
the Lord is risen, if you have beheld His beauty who
is "the chiefest among ten thousand" and the One
"altogether lovely," if your souls has become radiant
in the presence of His glory, to you is this word from
the Master sent. Have you stood with Christ on the
mount of transfiguration? Down in the plain there
are souls enslaved by Satan; they are waiting for the
word of faith and prayer to set them free.
We are not only to contemplate the glory of Christ,
but also to speak of His excellences. Isaiah not only
beheld the glory of Christ, but he also spoke of Him.
While David mused, the fire burned; then spoke he
with his tongue. While he mused upon the wondrous
love of God he could not but speak of that which he
saw and felt. Who can by faith behold the wonderful
plan of redemption, the glory of the only-begotten Son
of God, and not speak of it? Who can contemplate
the unfathomable love that was manifested upon the
cross of Calvary in the death of Christ, that we might
not perish, but have everlasting life--who can behold
this and have no words with which to extol the
Saviour's glory?
"In His temple doth everyone speak of His glory."
Psalm 29:9. The sweet singer of Israel praised Him
upon the harp, saying, "I will speak of the glorious
honor of Thy majesty, and of Thy wondrous works.
And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts:
and I will declare Thy greatness." Psalm 145:5, 6.
The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the
people, absorbing their minds and concentrating their
thoughts. Then all the spiritual faculties will be
charged with divine power direct from God. Then
there will be a concentration of the energies in genuine
work for the Master. The workers will send forth
to the world beams of light, as living agencies to
enlighten the earth.
Christ accepts, oh, so gladly, every human agency
that is surrendered to Him. He brings the human
into union with the divine, that He may communicate
to the world the mysteries of incarnate love.
Talk it, pray it, sing it; proclaim abroad the message
of His glory, and keep pressing onward to the regions
beyond.
Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received,
temptations manfully resisted, meekness, kindness,
mercy, and love habitually revealed, are the lights
that shine forth in the character in contrast with the
darkness of the selfish heart, into which the light of
life has never shone.